100 songs, videos, albums submitted this week
Cuando se Acaba la Noche, álbum by Lee Garfield and María Centeno . Makes you feel like you are lying back on the beach, in this warm, laid-back romantic pop reunion album for listening to while driving along the Pacific Ocean (or the Gulf of California) in the afternoons. It is evidence of María Centeno’s evolution from being just a charismatic front‑woman in a band to a fully defined songwriter with her own emotional and sonic universe. This will make your day sunny. Stream on all major platforms. Spanish.
Almas Perdida, EP Bachata Mexican Combo. BMC is a contemporary bachata project led by Mexican artist Daniela Martínez, that mixes classic Dominican bachata elements (guitars, bongo, romantic melancholy) with experimental touches. This song – and the album -sits somewhere between traditional amargue (melancholic, romantic, and a bit rough ) and indie/alt‑Latin pop, giving it a distinctive, more atmospheric and introspective flavor than mainstream radio bachata. It’s not your older sister’s bachata! Stream on most major platforms. Spanish.
Delirios de Viento, by Nirl Cano. An instrumental and vocal debut album of 7 songs that range widely in tone. The Guadalajara-based composer shifts the lead voice between piano, requinto jarocho, and vocals, with double bass and drums for a flexible rhythmic base. Each song fuses Mexican roots with contemporary jazz in a unique blend. In some songs, it is an acquired taste, and in other songs, it is an earworm. Listen thoughtfully, and you will enjoy. Stream on Spotify. Spanish.
Cararia, single by Nara Pineiro . Shades Ipanema and Antônio Carlos Jobim. This song has the same feel of a swaying body strolling the Brazilian beach, but with a high-tempo jazz piano overlay and her own ethereal vocals – a nice combination. Brazilian musician and composer Nara Pinheiro represents a new generation of women musicians and composers. She mixes instrumental themes and her lovely voice in delicious harmonies that flirt with contemporary jazz, alternative rock and indie‑pop. Cararia, does exactly that and will just make you happy. Stream on most major platforms. Spanish.
Azul, single by Real de Catorse. A blend of Mexican rock and electric blues, from 1987. This is classic blues, but more – there is something else, a twist, a curl, that only Real de Catorse can put into a song. With the call and response electric guitar riffs, the distant voice, and the slow, determined beat. José Cruz reformed the long-running band with younger musicians, so I am looking forward to hs upcoming showcase at the Mexican music convention FIMPRO. If you like blues- and who doesn’t – this is some of the finest Mexican blues, or a blues from any country. Stream on all major platforms. Spanish.
Mienras tu no estabas, single by Nancy Zamher. Mexican popular and folk sounds with jazz, blues, and rock accents. Mienras tu no estabas, builds from a simple snare hit to a richer, fuller piece composition, always supporting and circling her urgent voice. As the electric guitar riffs it comes together in a dark vision that is addictive. Remarkable. Stream on most major platforms. Spanish
